Abstract
Keywords
Dr. Jay Allen Weinstein, 75, of St. Simons Island, Georgia, departed this life Wednesday, March 8, 2017.
Jay was born on February 23, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Edward L. and Jacqueline K. Weinstein. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn S. Weinstein. Jay is survived by two children, his son Bennett Weinstein and wife Lisa of Atlanta (GA); his daughter, Liza Weinstein and husband John Myers of Boston (MA); three grandchildren, Eleanor Weinstein, Avi Myers, and Marcus Myers; his loving sister Deni Dreazen and husband Jeff of Miami; and, an aunt, Muriel Rosenbaum and family of Chicago.
Jay was a retired emeritus professor at Eastern Michigan University (1986–2010). He completed the doctorate in sociology, from the University of Illinois, Urbana, in 1973; an MA degree from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, in1965; and an AB from the University of Illinois in 1963, with distinction.
The Father, Husband, and Friend
Jay was a caring and loving father and spouse. His children, Liza and Bennett, were two of Jay’s greatest accomplishments. Dinner time at the Weinstein home was filled with joy and laughter, debate and conversation, and loving exchanges. They held regular pool parties and hosted special occasions at the family’s residence in Dearborn, Michigan, where they surrounded themselves with family, friends, and loved ones. Marilyn and Jay not only had affection for everyone in their lives but also had a deep spiritual and romantic affinity for one another. The couple vacationed together and appeared in tandem at professional conferences and proceedings. Together, Jay and Marilyn shared everything from professional interests to an unyielding commitment to family and friends.
Jay loved being in water. He especially enjoyed the rigors of kayaking in the marshes of Glynn, the picturesque grasslands separating the coastal islands of the county from the Georgia mainland. Jay had even set sail in the Detroit River on several occasions with our beloved colleague, Patrick Easto, from Eastern Michigan University. On a personal note, Jay and I were very close. He was a colleague, mentor, confidante, and dear friend. I was Jay’s third hire at Eastern Michigan University after which we grew as friends. I attended Bennett’s Bar Mitzvah, Liza’s Bat Mitzvah, Jay’s 60th birthday celebration, and Marilyn’s homecoming. Jay and Marilyn attended my PhD graduation, came to my two weddings, and traveled with my family on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Jay’s thoughtful words, keen insights, and infectious smile will be sorely missed.
The Teacher and Mentor
Professionally, Jay was a charismatic teacher with an eclectic personality who was adored by his students. As a friend and colleague, I had many occasions to observe his teaching directly. He was unassuming, witty, patient, kind, and empathetic. He had a clear understanding about the relationship between experience and pedagogy, and I was in awe of his teaching skill and his ability to simplify complex arguments and theories, with relative ease. Jay possessed encyclopedic knowledge about a vast array of subject matter both inside and outside the discipline of sociology and was adroit at establishing a rapport with his students, many of whom were from diverse backgrounds. He possessed a razor-sharp wit without being arrogant and he truly loved the classroom and imparting knowledge. But I am not the only one who thinks so—Jay’s teaching prowess is widely recognized. He was the recipient of three teaching awards, including the John F. Schnabel Award for Distinguished Contribution to Teaching (April 2007); the Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award, Eastern Michigan University (April 2004); and the Excellence in Teaching Award, Eastern Michigan University (April 2002). As anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Jay would know he was an accomplished teacher and educator, and always humble about his accomplishments.
The Scholar
Jay was a prolific and renowned scholar. He wrote about and conducted research in the areas of urban sociology, demography, sociological theory, and applied sociology. One of his noteworthy accomplishments, and something he was very proud of, was being one of the early Editor-in-Chiefs of the Journal of Applied Sociology. He was an ambitious scholar and the author of 12 books. He also published over 70 papers, including scholarly peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals, and book reviews. His work has appeared in Studies in Comparative International Development, Quarterly Journal of Ideology, and Sociological Inquiry. Jay presented over 100 papers at professional proceedings nationally and around the globe.
Jay leaves behind his loving family, caring friends, and supportive colleagues. His departure will be felt keenly by any and every one who had the opportunity to meet and know this great man.
Jay loved being surrounded by water!!